La Salle pummeled host University of Nueva Caceres, 91-38, Saturday to gain the last Sweet 16 berth of the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the jampacked UNC Sports Palace in Naga City.

Behind the efforts of Joshua Webb and Arvie Bringas, the Green Archers easily dismantled the Greyhounds to keep their title-retention bid alive.

The knockout stage starts on Nov. 23 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Taft-based squad, led then by national team mainstay JV Casio and rising PBA star Rico Maierhofer, beat long-time rival Ateneo, 61-52, to win the crown.

Joining La Salle in this year's event are UAAP titlist Ateneo, NCAA champion San Sebastian, San Beda, University of the East, Jose Rizal University, Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas, Letran and CESAFI winner University of the Visayas.

Six others also reached the Sweet 16 through the zonal tournaments in Arellano, University of San Carlos, University of Cebu, San Sebastian-Cavite, University of Manila and Mapua.

In coasting to a perfect 3-0 record, the Archers smashed NCAA South winner Don Bosco Technical College, 98-44, before beating UCLAA titlist St. Francis of Assisi College, 52-42.

The tournament will be the last tour of duty for DLSU coach Franz Pumaren, who has announced his intention to resign at the end of the year. Younger brother Dindo will take his place as La Salle coach.